Senator Phillips-Hill E-Newsletter

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In this update:

  • Uncover Camp Security in New Podcast Episode
  • Pennsylvania is Open for Business: PCN “On the Issues”
  • PennDOT Offers Winter Maintenance Jobs
  • Southern York County: Launch of the First Advanced Life Support Unit
  • National Night Out in Penn Township
  • Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
  • How Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Can Benefit from PA ABLE
  • Keep Cool at the Pool or Lake
  • Recognizing National Financial Awareness Day
  • Mobile Office in Penn Township Next Week
  • Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects

Uncover Camp Security in New Podcast Episode

Recently, I joined Carol Tanzola and John Crawmer from Friends of Camp Security to explore the history of Camp Security, the only remaining undeveloped Revolutionary War prison camp in Springettsbury Township. In this insightful podcast episode, we discuss the ongoing archaeological efforts and uncover the stories of the English and German troops who were held there.

Listen now and delve into the rich history of Camp Security! You can also listen to our conversation on Apple or Spotify.

Pennsylvania is Open for Business: PCN “On the Issues” 

I recently had the opportunity to discuss the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program on PCN’s “On the Issues” program. This legislation is crucial for cutting through bureaucratic red tape and making Pennsylvania’s permitting process more efficient, which is key to boosting our state’s economic growth and competitiveness.

In the interview, I delve into how the SPEED Program will expedite permit review timelines, introduce a new tracking system for applicants, and offer third-party review options for various permit applications. These changes aim to reduce delays and attract new businesses, creating more job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.

I encourage you to watch the conversation to learn more about how this legislation will benefit our community and state. You can view the video here.

PennDOT Offers Winter Maintenance Jobs

Individuals seeking seasonal employment can apply for a variety of winter maintenance positions now open through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

The program runs September through April and includes positions for transportation equipment operators, diesel and construction equipment mechanics, radio dispatchers, auto mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Individuals in these positions supplement the permanent workforce and have the potential to lead to permanent full-time employment.

Additional details about the positions, along with the job application, are available here and then go to “PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program.”

Southern York County: Launch of the First Advanced Life Support Unit

It was a pleasure to join the ribbon cutting for the first-ever Advanced Life Support Unit in Southern York County! This milestone marks a significant enhancement of our emergency medical services, ensuring that residents receive the highest level of care in critical situations.

The addition of this Advanced Life Support Unit is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our community partners, including Shrewsbury Township, Shrewsbury Borough, New Freedom Borough, Rose Fire Company #1, and the Shrewsbury Volunteer Fire Company. Their hard work and commitment have made this important advancement possible, helping to build a safer community for all of us.

Together, we are taking meaningful steps to improve emergency response services and ensure the well-being of Southern York County residents.

National Night Out in Penn Township

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my table at National Night Out in Penn Township. It was a fantastic evening filled with community togetherness, and I enjoyed connecting with so many of you.

Despite the storms cutting the night short, the event was a great success, and I’m grateful for your participation and support. Thank you to all our men and women in law enforcement who participate in this important nationwide program that strengthens our communities!

Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20 at noon, speakers will discuss web resources for effective research before, during and after your student makes postsecondary decisions. On Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on available loan programs, if there are costs not showing on the bill that must be paid and more.

Register to attend the one-hour webinars.

How Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Can Benefit from PA ABLE

PA ABLE gives individuals with disabilities a way to save money for the future without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Tax benefits for saving with PA ABLE include:

  • Contributions are deductible from PA state income taxes.
  • Earnings and contributions grow tax-free.
  • No taxes are owed for qualified withdrawals.
  • Accounts aren’t subject to the state inheritance tax.

PA ABLE accounts can be used to pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses including rent, groceries, health care, vehicle adaptations, assistive technology and more. Treasurer Stacy Garrity and PA ABLE professionals are hosting free webinars on how to start saving:

For more information, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

Keep Cool at the Pool or Lake

The dog days of summer are upon us. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay cool on a hot day, visit a Pennsylvania state park to go swimming. Many have pools and lakes.

State Park beaches are open and free to the public for swimming from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The “open swim” policy allows people to swim at their own risk within the buoy line at designated beaches – 35 across the state – from 8 a.m. until sunset daily.

Fifteen state parks have swimming pools for the public to enjoy. Pools are usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission fees vary based on the type of operation. Lifeguards are on duty when state park pools are open. Find a park with a pool and learn more.

Recognizing National Financial Awareness Day 

Wednesday, Aug. 14, marks National Financial Awareness Day. With recent estimates showing families in the United States have nearly $1 trillion in credit card debt and more than $15 trillion in debt overall, the day is a useful reminder of the impacts financial decisions can have for many years to come.

My colleagues and I recognized that young adults face financial decisions that can come with long-term consequences and passed legislation to arm high school students with money management skills. The new law requires completion of a half-credit personal finance course to graduate high school.

The course will give high school students the understanding they need about topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement.

Mobile Office in Penn Township Next Week 

Next week my mobile office will be set up at the Penn Township Municipal Building. Remember, this is a great time to get any state-related materials or answers to any state-related questions. I want to bring YOUR state government into YOUR community!

Stop by Thursday as my team will be there from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects

Most weeks, PennDOT shares with me its maintenance schedule for the week ahead. When it becomes available, you can view the full list here to see if it will impact you and your family.

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